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Finding the Right Handbags And Purses for You
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A doctor’s medical bag is known as a Gladstone bag. J. G. Beard of Westminster, England, designed the first Gladstone bag during the mid-19th century. He named the bag after British Prime Minister William Gladstone, whom Beard deeply admired. Find a variety of Gladstone bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not a Birkin bag is made of crocodile depends on the bag. Hermès offers its signature tote in crocodile leather as well as other materials, including calfskin and ostrich leather. On 1stDibs, find a range of Hermès Birkin bags.
- Are Birkin bags real crocodile?1 Answer
ChicjoySeptember 24, 2020Yes, Crocodile Birkins are made from real Crocodiles. Niloticus croc is sourced from the Nile river; while Porosus croc is sourced from Asia or Australia. Niloticus scales are generally larger than Porosus. Niloticus is marked with a “..” diaeresis mark in foil; while Porosus is denoted by the “ˆ” (carat) mark in foil. Generally speaking, Porosus is more sought after and has greater resale value due to its smaller and more symmetrical scales.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A crocodile Birkin bag can cost between $7,100 and $38,000. In fashion, crocodile skin is considered an exotic material, making it much more valuable. Plus, Hermès is already one of the most revered fashion houses in the world. Find crocodile Birkin bags for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, there are Birkin bags crafted from real crocodile skin. The main kinds of crocodile that are used to make Birkin bags are the Niloticus crocodile, which is found in Africa, along the Nile, and the Porosus crocodile, which is found in Australia and Asia. Shop a range of expertly authenticated Hermès Birkin bags from top sellers on 1stDibs.
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